Fashion photographer Bryce Thompson, known for working with supermodels and shooting various magazine covers and ad campaigns, has embarked on a significant new project that shifts the focus to aging Holocaust survivors. Titled "Borrowed Spotlight," this photography series pairs celebrated figures such as Barbara Corcoran, Sheryl Sandberg, Cindy Crawford, Jennifer Garner, Billy Porter, and David Schwimmer with Holocaust survivors, creating deeply touching and thought-provoking portraits. The aim of "Borrowed Spotlight" is to leverage the visibility of these celebrities to ensure that the stories of Holocaust survivors are heard and remembered. This is particularly crucial given the dwindling number of survivors, with approximately 220,850 Jewish Holocaust survivors still alive today, most over 85 years old, according to the 2025 Global Demographic Report on Jewish Holocaust survivors published by the Claims Conference. The project captures heartwarming and sometimes tearful interactions between the participants and the survivors. For instance, Cindy Crawford, who wrote the foreword to the accompanying coffee table book, posed with 98-year-old Ella Mandel. Mandel, who was just 13 when German forces invaded Poland in 1939, lost her entire family except for one sister. She shared her harrowing story of survival, including a desperate decision to marry at her lowest point, which gave her the strength to rebuild her life in the United States. Another poignant image features "Pretty Little Liars" actor Ashley Benson with Joseph Samuels, both of whom are seen in deep conversation. Kat Graham's emotional reaction to Yetta Kane's testimony is evident, with tears streaming down her face during their encounter. These moments highlight the profound impact of hearing firsthand accounts of the Holocaust. Scooter Braun had a meaningful session with 103-year-old Joseph Alexander, whose concentration camp number tattoo was visible. Former Meta COO Sheryl Sandberg shared a tender moment with George Elbaum, while Barbara Corcoran, a real-estate entrepreneur, met Tova Friedman. Friedman recounted surviving Auschwitz at the age of 6 due to a gas chamber malfunction, emphasizing the survivors' solemn responsibility to warn against the dangers of hate and genocide. Billy Porter, a Broadway star, connected with Bella Rosenberg, one of only 140 Jews to survive from her Polish hometown of 20,000. On Instagram, Porter reflected that Rosenberg's story is a stark reminder of the consequences of unchecked hate and the importance of vigilant protection for vulnerable communities. Jennifer Garner met Gabriella Karin, a 95-year-old survivor who was hidden by a young lawyer in his one-bedroom apartment across from a Nazi outpost for nine months. Karin’s message, "If you don’t tell your story, people won’t know," underscores the vital role of personal narratives in preserving history and combating prejudice. Thompson's photographs are currently on display at the Detour Gallery in New York City until April 27. Beyond the exhibition, the "Borrowed Spotlight" coffee table book retails for $360, with proceeds benefiting Holocaust education programs. Additionally, a private auction of prints from the series will donate funds to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and SelfHelp, an organization that provides trauma-informed care for Holocaust survivors in New York. Through "Borrowed Spotlight," Thompson hopes to combat modern antisemitism and promote empathy and action. He believes that these survivors serve as living testaments, showing that empathy and action can often make the difference between life and oblivion. The series not only honors the past but also serves as a call to action for the present and future. The initiative has received widespread praise from industry insiders and participants alike. Cindy Crawford, who penned the book’s foreword, described the experience as profoundly inspiring, while David Schwimmer emphasized the importance of sharing these stories to fight hate and ignorance. Bryce Thompson, a seasoned photographer, has successfully used his skills to bridge the gap between famous faces and overlooked voices, creating a powerful tool for education and awareness. "Borrowed Spotlight" is more than just a photo series; it is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and a reminder of the atrocities of the past. As Holocaust survivors become fewer, projects like this play a crucial role in keeping their stories alive and fostering a more informed and empathetic world. The involvement of celebrities adds a layer of visibility that can reach broader audiences, reinforcing the message that everyone has a part to play in combating hate and prejudice.